Spring Break Stampede

Eli Young Band

Friday, March 19, 2010, 6:45 p.m.

RODEOHOUSTON performance

RODEOHOUSTON appearances: 2010

The past eight years has been a roller coaster ride for the Eli Young Band. Vocalist Mike Eli, guitarist James Young, bass player Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson, have seen eight years of lugging equipment to small Texas clubs, of losing day jobs because their music held priority, and of saying goodbye to relationships torn by their weekend travels. But this work ethic has only solidified their dedication to their music.

Eli, Young, Jones and Thompson met at the University of North Texas in Denton, where they were attending college. Eli and Young quickly became friends and started performing as a duo, and in short order, the entire foursome began making music together, debuting live in October 2000.

The band befriended Miranda Lambert, and shortly after she signed her first recording contract, she asked the group to front her show. The band’s first album, Level, arrived the following year to glowing reviews. Since then, the boys have toured the country gathering more fans and more industry buzz. The band has since launched its national debut in 2008 with Jet Black and Jealous, and the single, "Always the Love Songs," became its first top 10 hit on country radio.

Singles

"Jet Black and Jealous," "Always the Love Songs," "Get in the Car and Drive," "Guinevere," "Radio Waves," "When it Rains," "Oklahoma Girl"